US20050057029A1 - Automotive vehicle air bag system - Google Patents
Automotive vehicle air bag system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050057029A1 US20050057029A1 US10/660,965 US66096503A US2005057029A1 US 20050057029 A1 US20050057029 A1 US 20050057029A1 US 66096503 A US66096503 A US 66096503A US 2005057029 A1 US2005057029 A1 US 2005057029A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tether
- air bag
- cushion
- loop
- bag assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/233—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration comprising a plurality of individual compartments; comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/2334—Expansion control features
- B60R21/2338—Tethers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/2334—Expansion control features
- B60R21/2338—Tethers
- B60R2021/23382—Internal tether means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/2334—Expansion control features
- B60R21/2338—Tethers
- B60R2021/23382—Internal tether means
- B60R2021/23384—Internal tether means having ends which are movable or detachable during deployment
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/26—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
- B60R21/276—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure
- B60R2021/2765—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure comprising means to control the venting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/2334—Expansion control features
- B60R21/2342—Tear seams
Definitions
- the present invention is an air bag system for a motor vehicle.
- Air bags are currently used in many vehicles for supplemental occupant protection during a collision. Air bags deployable to varying depths based upon vehicle conditions are known, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,501, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Tethers attached to an air bag may be restrained or released to achieve a varying depth upon air bag inflation. Tether design may also affect resulting air bag shape at the varied depths. A tether design that enables a consistent, predictable resulting air bag shape is desirable.
- a vehicle having an air bag assembly for impact restraint includes an air bag cushion inflatable to first and second amounts of expansion and deployable in an interior space of the vehicle.
- the second amount of expansion is greater than the first amount of expansion.
- the air bag assembly also includes at least one tether.
- the tether has a first portion which includes a first loop that is supported at a first location at the cushion.
- the tether is releasably restrained such that, upon inflation of the cushion, the cushion is inflatable to the first amount of expansion when the tether is retrained and the cushion is inflatable to the second amount of expansion after the tether is released.
- the tether may also have a second portion that is supported at a second location substantially opposing the first location.
- the tether When the tether has a second portion, the tether is releasably restrained between the first and second portions.
- the tether has a longitudinal portion extending from the first loop and, preferably, is characterized by an absence of sliding along the longitudinal portion at the first location when the tether is released.
- the air bag assembly may further include at least one lateral tether element supported at opposing lateral locations at the cushion, the opposing lateral locations being substantially laterally disposed with respect to the first portion.
- a support element may be secured to the cushion at the first location and the first loop may be secured at the support element.
- the support element may be a tubular slot through which the tether is routed.
- FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an inflated air bag cushion deployed in an interior space of a vehicle between an occupant and an instrument panel;
- FIG. 2 a is a schematic fragmentary perspective illustration of an air bag assembly having tethers, wherein the tethers are restrained and the air bag cushion is inflated to a first amount of expansion;
- FIG. 2 b is a schematic fragmentary perspective illustration of the air bag assembly of FIG. 2 a , wherein the tethers are released and the air bag cushion is inflated to a second amount of expansion;
- FIGS. 2 c - 2 d are schematic fragmentary perspective views of alternative tether attachment arrangements for the air bag assembly of FIGS. 2 a - 2 b;
- FIGS. 3 a - 3 d are schematic perspective illustrations of alternative tether designs, including a lateral tether portion, for use in the air bag assembly of FIGS. 2 a - 2 b;
- FIGS. 3 e - 3 g are schematic fragmentary perspective illustrations of additional alternative tether designs for use in the air bag assembly of FIGS. 2 a - 2 b;
- FIGS. 4 a - 4 d are schematic fragmentary perspective illustrations of alternative tether to air bag cushion attachment arrangements, including a support element, for use in the air bag assembly of FIGS. 2 a - 2 b ;
- FIGS. 5 a - 5 g are schematic fragmentary perspective illustrations of additional alternative tether to air bag cushion attachment arrangements for use in the air bag assembly of FIGS. 2 a - 2 b.
- a vehicle 10 may include an air bag system 12 .
- the air bag system 12 includes an air bag cushion 14 deployable upon inflation by a gas emitting inflator 16 into an interior space 18 of the vehicle 10 for cushioning of an occupant 20 .
- the air bag system 12 is shown housed within an instrument panel 22 .
- the airbag system 12 may alternatively be housed elsewhere on the vehicle, such as within a vehicle door or a vehicle roof rail.
- the air bag system 12 will be described as being packaged within the instrument panel 22 .
- a remotely located sensing system sends a signal to the air bag system 12 to deploy the cushion 14 .
- the cushion 14 is shown deployed in interior space 18 between the instrument panel 22 and the occupant 20 .
- the present invention provides a cushion 14 which is capable of inflating to two amounts of expansion—a shallower, first amount of expansion 24 (shown in phantom) or a deeper, second amount of expansion 28 .
- the air bag system 12 includes the cushion 14 inflated to the first amount of expansion 24 shown in FIG. 2 a or, alternatively, to the second amount of expansion 28 shown in FIG. 2 b .
- the air bag system 12 includes a first tether 32 .
- An optional second tether 36 is also illustrated.
- the tethers 32 , 36 have two effective lengths: a restrained length, corresponding to the first amount of expansion 24 and an unrestrained or extended length, corresponding to the second amount of expansion 28 .
- the first tether 32 includes a first portion 40 .
- the first portion 40 includes a first loop 44 . In FIG. 2 a , the first portion 40 is arranged to form the first loop 44 .
- the first loop 44 may be sewn or otherwise attached to the first portion 40 .
- the first loop 44 is supported at a first attachment location 48 , also referred to as a first location, to the cushion 14 .
- the first loop 44 may be so supported by stitching, adhesives or other known methods of attachment.
- the first loop 44 is configured with a segment secured to the cushion 14 at the first location 48 and two segments extending therefrom which attach to each other opposite the first location 48 to form the closed loop.
- the configuration of the first loop 44 may be varied by modifying the relative lengths of these segments, thus impacting the resulting profile of the cushion 14 upon inflation.
- the first tether 32 further includes an optional second portion 52 supported at a second attachment location 56 , also referred to as a second location.
- the second attachment location 56 is substantially opposite to the first attachment location 48 in the inflated cushion 14 .
- the cushion 14 is secured at support structure 60 which, in this case, is a housing (and may be referred to as such) for the inflator 16 and the cushion 14 .
- the cushion 14 is fastened between the support structure 60 and a bracket element 64 .
- the second portion 52 may alternatively be secured at a second location 56 A directly to the cushion 14 . Stitching 55 A shown in FIG. 2 d may be used to secure the second portion 52 .
- Optional stitching 55 B may also be used to secure the second portion 52 in conjunction with the bracket element 64 as shown in FIG. 2 c .
- adhesives or other known forms of securement may be employed.
- the optional second portion 52 allows the cushion to expand, as shown in FIG. 2 b , to the second amount of expansion 28 , with the second portion 52 providing some restriction affecting the resulting second amount of expansion 28 because the second portion 52 remains secured at the second location 56 shown in FIG. 2 c (or alternative second location 56 A shown in FIG. 2 d ) making the overall length of the first tether 32 a limitation on the second amount of expansion 28 .
- the first and second tethers 32 , 36 each include a second loop 68 , 72 , respectively.
- the second loop 68 is disposed between the first portion 40 and the second portion 52 on the first tether 32 .
- the second loop 68 would be similarly located at the end of the first portion 40 opposite the first loop 44 shown in FIG. 2 a ; however, no second portion would extend from the second loop.
- the second loops 68 , 72 may be formed from the respective tethers 32 , 36 by folding over a portion of the tether and sewing the tether to itself.
- a second loop may be formed from a separate piece of material sewn directly to the tether or may be woven directly into the tethers. If the second loop is formed from a separate piece of material, the separate piece would be folded to form a loop. The ends of the separate piece may be overlapped and then stitched to the tether. Alternatively, only one end of the separate piece may be stitched to the tether and the other, folded-over end of the separate piece may be stitched to the separate piece (but not to the tether), thereby forming a loop.
- the air bag assembly 12 further includes optional third loops 76 , 80 or ring elements.
- the third loops 76 , 80 are releaseably restrained by a tether release mechanism 84 . (If no optional third loops are used, the release mechanism 84 would directly restrain the second loops 68 , 72 .)
- the remotely located sensing system described above detects selected criteria during a collision (e.g., vehicle speed, impact force, etc.). Based upon such criteria, the second amount of expansion 28 may be indicated as preferable. In that instance, the sensing system sends a signal to the release mechanism 84 to be actuated (i.e., to release the tethers 32 , 36 ).
- a variety of release mechanism configurations may be employed.
- a moveable cantilevered retaining pin may be used to hold the tethers, or, upon actuation, move and thereby release the tethers.
- the retaining pin may pass through barriers so that the tethers may not slide off at either end of the pin and may be moved through holes in the barriers to release the tethers.
- the tether may be attached to a cantilevered stationary pin and held in place by a moveable barrier which frees one end of the pin to release the tether.
- the release mechanism may include a scraper element to assist tether release.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,501 further includes a moveable member operatively connected to a release mechanism (i.e., the retaining pin described above) and moveable by an actuation mechanism, a vent opening within a housing in which the inflator is disposed, the moveable member being alignable with the vent opening and being moveable relative to the vent opening upon actuation of the actuation mechanism, thereby adjusting the vent area of the vent opening during deployment of the cushion.
- a release mechanism i.e., the retaining pin described above
- the moveable member being alignable with the vent opening and being moveable relative to the vent opening upon actuation of the actuation mechanism, thereby adjusting the vent area of the vent opening during deployment of the cushion.
- movement of the moveable member may function only to release the tether via the release mechanism, or may function both to release the tether and to control the vent area available for gases from the inflator to pass outside of the cushion and housing, as disclosed in the above referenced patent.
- the third loops 76 , 80 are further connected to the second loops 68 , 72 on the tethers 32 , 36 .
- tether release mechanism 84 releases the third loops 76 , 80
- the second loops 68 , 72 are also thereby released from the tether release mechanism 84 .
- the tether release mechanism 84 is shown in phantom in FIG. 2 b to denote its movement upon actuation to release the tethers 32 , 36 . Accordingly, referring to FIG.
- the tethers 32 , 36 are no longer restrained at the second loops 68 , 72 and the cushion 14 may achieve a second amount of expansion 28 upon inflation, as shown in FIG. 2 b .
- the first tether 32 restricts the cushion 14 to the first amount of expansion 24 (shown in FIG. 2 a ) when restrained (at the second loop 68 ) and restricts the cushion 14 to the second amount of expansion 28 (shown in FIG. 2 b ) after the first tether 32 is released.
- the first tether 32 may include a lateral tether element 88 .
- the lateral tether element 88 is supported at substantially opposing points of attachment at the cushion 14 , a first lateral point of attachment 92 and a second lateral point of attachment 96 .
- the lateral points of attachment 92 , 96 are substantially laterally disposed with respect to the first portion 40 of the first tether 32 .
- the lateral tether element 88 provides air bag restraint in a lateral direction. If the optional section portion 52 shown in FIG. 2 a is not included, the first tether 32 will be secured only at first location 48 and lateral points of attachment 92 , 96 (shown in FIG. 2 a ).
- the first tether 32 upon release of the third loop 76 (shown in FIG. 2 c ) the first tether 32 would move free of any restraint at a second location and the cushion would be inflatable to a second amount of fore-aft expansion unaffected by the length of the first tether 32 .
- the use of tethers not having a second portion and being releasable as described above will be readily understandable to those skilled in the art.
- the first tether 32 may be a single strip of material sewn to itself to form the first loop 44 and the second loop 68 and also sewn at the first and second lateral points of attachment 92 , 96 to form the lateral tether element 88 .
- a first tether 32 A may be a single woven piece of material including a lateral tether element 88 A, a first loop 44 A and a second loop 68 A. Accordingly, the first tether 32 A and the lateral tether element 88 A may be unitary.
- Looped lateral ends 97 A, 99 A may also be formed in the lateral tether element 88 A.
- An alternative is to replace looped lateral ends 97 A and 99 A with non-looped ends (as shown in FIG. 3 c ).
- a lateral tether element 88 B may be formed from a separate piece of material sewn or otherwise adhered to a first tether 32 B.
- a first loop 44 B and a second loop 68 B may be formed from separate material sewn or otherwise adhered to a tether longitudinal midportion 98 to become part of first tether 32 B.
- the lateral tether element 88 B once sewn to the first tether 32 B, becomes integral with the first tether 32 B.
- looped lateral ends 97 B, 99 B may be sewn or otherwise adhered to the lateral tether element 88 B.
- the looped lateral ends 97 B, 99 B may be further secured to the cushion 14 .
- a single first tether 32 C may be formed with multiple first loops 44 C, as shown in FIG. 3 c , by separating a tether longitudinal midportion 98 C into separate segments 100 or by sewing or otherwise attaching such segments 100 to the tether longitudinal midportion 98 C.
- a tether longitudinal midportion 98 D of a single first tether 32 D may be split into separate strips 102 , 104 which are configured into first loops 44 D and lateral tether elements 88 D.
- the lateral tether elements 88 D and the strips 102 , 104 would be sewn or otherwise attached together as a unit at locations 89 , 90 , respectively.
- FIGS. 3 e - 3 g Additional lateral tether configurations are shown in FIGS. 3 e - 3 g .
- a lateral tether element 88 E is formed with holes 106 .
- First and second tethers 32 E, 36 E pass through the holes 106 .
- a multitude of separate lateral tether elements 88 F, 88 G, 88 H, are secured to the cushion 14 .
- First and second tethers 32 F, 36 F are configured to be disposed between the separate lateral tether elements 88 F, 88 G, 88 H.
- a continuous lateral tether element 881 is formed with slots 107 permitting the first and second tethers 32 G, 36 G to pass through the slots 107 .
- first loop 44 is attached directly to the cushion 14 at the first attachment location 48 .
- first loop 44 E may be routed through holes 108 , 109 in seams 110 , 111 at an outer panel 112 of the cushion 14 .
- stitching 55 C the first loop 44 E may be sewn or otherwise attached to the outer panel 112 .
- holes 108 , 109 would be sewn shut and stitching 55 D would be added to complete first loop 44 E.
- a support element 114 is secured to the cushion 14 at first attachment locations 48 A, 48 B.
- a first loop 44 F is routed around the support element 114 .
- An optional additional reinforcement element 116 is secured to the support element 114 for further supporting the first loop 44 F.
- the support element 114 is shown as a panel with first attachment locations 48 A, 48 B being sewn seams spaced apart from one another securing the support element 114 to the cushion 14 .
- a first tether having a first loop 44 F secured at reinforcement element 116 or support element 114 by routing adjacent thereto need not slide through the support element 114 or the reinforcement element 116 in order for the cushion to obtain either the first amount of expansion 24 or, after release of the first tether, the second amount of expansion 28 , shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b , respectively. Absence of such sliding may help produce a consistent bag profile upon inflation.
- support element 114 A secured to the cushion 14 at first attachment locations 48 C, 48 D may include a reinforcement element loop portion 118 (formed by stitching 55 E) through which first loop 44 G is routed.
- optional reinforcement elements 116 A, 116 B may be used to secure first loop 44 H to the cushion 14 .
- a first reinforcement element 116 A is shown secured to the first loop 44 H at a first attachment location 48 E.
- a second optional reinforcement element 116 B is shown placed between the cushion 14 and the first loop 44 H and is used to strengthen the area where the first loop 44 H is secured to the cushion 14 .
- a third optional reinforcement element 116 C is shown in phantom and is located at the opposed exterior face of the cushion 14 for further strengthening the attachment area. These reinforcements may be attached to cushion 14 by stitching 55 F.
- FIGS. 5 a through 5 g air bag assembly configurations having various support elements will now be discussed.
- a support element which is a first tubular slot 120 is shown formed in the outer panel 112 of the cushion 14 by stitching 55 G securing the outer panel 112 to itself.
- a first loop 441 is then secured to an outer surface 124 of the first tubular slot 120 by sewing or other means of securement.
- first loop 44 J may route through open ends 126 , 128 of the first tubular slot 120 .
- Optional stitching 55 H may be used to secure the first loop 44 J to the first tubular slot 120 .
- an optional second tubular slot 130 may be formed by sewing stitching 551 between the second tubular slot 130 and a first tubular slot 120 A which supports first loop 44 K.
- a pair of first tubular slots 120 B, 120 C may be formed in the cushion outer panel 112 .
- a separate support element 114 B may be secured to each of the tubular slots 120 B, 120 C at opposing first attachment locations 48 F, 48 G.
- a first loop 44 L may be routed through an opening 132 between support element 114 B and the cushion outer panel 112 . The first loop 44 L may be sewn or otherwise secured to the support element 114 B.
- the support element 114 C having a support element loop 138 formed at one end may be secured to the cushion outer panel 112 .
- a first loop 44 M may be routed through and optionally sewn with stitching 55 J to the support element loop 138 .
- a similar support element 114 D which is a panel having a support element loop 138 A formed at one end may alternatively be secured to a tubular slot 120 D formed in the cushion outer panel 112 .
- a first loop 44 N of a first tether may be routed through and optionally stitched or otherwise secured to the support element loop 138 A. Accordingly, the support element 114 D is disposed between the tubular slot 120 D and the first loop 44 N.
- the cushion outer panel 112 may be formed with a first tubular slot 120 E to which a support element 114 E formed into a support element loop 138 B is stitched or otherwise secured.
- a first loop 44 P of a tether may be routed through and optionally stitched or otherwise secured to the looped support element 114 E.
- the tether need not slide along its longitudinal portion (also referred to as a midportion, as described in FIGS. 3 b - 3 d ) in order for the cushion to inflate to either the first amount of expansion or to the second amount of expansion.
- All of the configuration in FIGS. 4 a - 5 g may be applied to tethers with or without a lateral tether element.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Air Bags (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention is an air bag system for a motor vehicle.
- Air bags are currently used in many vehicles for supplemental occupant protection during a collision. Air bags deployable to varying depths based upon vehicle conditions are known, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,501, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Tethers attached to an air bag may be restrained or released to achieve a varying depth upon air bag inflation. Tether design may also affect resulting air bag shape at the varied depths. A tether design that enables a consistent, predictable resulting air bag shape is desirable.
- A vehicle having an air bag assembly for impact restraint includes an air bag cushion inflatable to first and second amounts of expansion and deployable in an interior space of the vehicle. The second amount of expansion is greater than the first amount of expansion. The air bag assembly also includes at least one tether. The tether has a first portion which includes a first loop that is supported at a first location at the cushion. The tether is releasably restrained such that, upon inflation of the cushion, the cushion is inflatable to the first amount of expansion when the tether is retrained and the cushion is inflatable to the second amount of expansion after the tether is released. The tether may also have a second portion that is supported at a second location substantially opposing the first location. When the tether has a second portion, the tether is releasably restrained between the first and second portions. The tether has a longitudinal portion extending from the first loop and, preferably, is characterized by an absence of sliding along the longitudinal portion at the first location when the tether is released.
- The air bag assembly may further include at least one lateral tether element supported at opposing lateral locations at the cushion, the opposing lateral locations being substantially laterally disposed with respect to the first portion.
- A support element may be secured to the cushion at the first location and the first loop may be secured at the support element. The support element may be a tubular slot through which the tether is routed.
- The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an inflated air bag cushion deployed in an interior space of a vehicle between an occupant and an instrument panel; -
FIG. 2 a is a schematic fragmentary perspective illustration of an air bag assembly having tethers, wherein the tethers are restrained and the air bag cushion is inflated to a first amount of expansion; -
FIG. 2 b is a schematic fragmentary perspective illustration of the air bag assembly ofFIG. 2 a, wherein the tethers are released and the air bag cushion is inflated to a second amount of expansion; -
FIGS. 2 c-2 d are schematic fragmentary perspective views of alternative tether attachment arrangements for the air bag assembly ofFIGS. 2 a-2 b; -
FIGS. 3 a-3 d are schematic perspective illustrations of alternative tether designs, including a lateral tether portion, for use in the air bag assembly ofFIGS. 2 a-2 b; -
FIGS. 3 e-3 g are schematic fragmentary perspective illustrations of additional alternative tether designs for use in the air bag assembly ofFIGS. 2 a-2 b; -
FIGS. 4 a-4 d are schematic fragmentary perspective illustrations of alternative tether to air bag cushion attachment arrangements, including a support element, for use in the air bag assembly ofFIGS. 2 a-2 b; and -
FIGS. 5 a-5 g are schematic fragmentary perspective illustrations of additional alternative tether to air bag cushion attachment arrangements for use in the air bag assembly ofFIGS. 2 a-2 b. - Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to designate like components throughout the various views. In
FIG. 1 , it is seen that avehicle 10 may include anair bag system 12. Theair bag system 12 includes anair bag cushion 14 deployable upon inflation by agas emitting inflator 16 into aninterior space 18 of thevehicle 10 for cushioning of anoccupant 20. Theair bag system 12 is shown housed within aninstrument panel 22. Theairbag system 12 may alternatively be housed elsewhere on the vehicle, such as within a vehicle door or a vehicle roof rail. For the present description, theair bag system 12 will be described as being packaged within theinstrument panel 22. During a collision of sufficient severity to warrant air bag deployment, a remotely located sensing system, not shown, sends a signal to theair bag system 12 to deploy thecushion 14. Thecushion 14 is shown deployed ininterior space 18 between theinstrument panel 22 and theoccupant 20. The present invention provides acushion 14 which is capable of inflating to two amounts of expansion—a shallower, first amount of expansion 24 (shown in phantom) or a deeper, second amount ofexpansion 28. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 a-2 b, theair bag system 12 includes thecushion 14 inflated to the first amount ofexpansion 24 shown inFIG. 2 a or, alternatively, to the second amount ofexpansion 28 shown inFIG. 2 b. Theair bag system 12 includes afirst tether 32. An optionalsecond tether 36 is also illustrated. Thetethers expansion 24 and an unrestrained or extended length, corresponding to the second amount ofexpansion 28. Thefirst tether 32 includes afirst portion 40. Thefirst portion 40 includes afirst loop 44. InFIG. 2 a, thefirst portion 40 is arranged to form thefirst loop 44. Alternatively, thefirst loop 44 may be sewn or otherwise attached to thefirst portion 40. Thefirst loop 44 is supported at afirst attachment location 48, also referred to as a first location, to thecushion 14. Thefirst loop 44 may be so supported by stitching, adhesives or other known methods of attachment. As may be viewed inFIG. 3 c, thefirst loop 44 is configured with a segment secured to thecushion 14 at thefirst location 48 and two segments extending therefrom which attach to each other opposite thefirst location 48 to form the closed loop. The configuration of thefirst loop 44 may be varied by modifying the relative lengths of these segments, thus impacting the resulting profile of thecushion 14 upon inflation. Thefirst tether 32 further includes an optionalsecond portion 52 supported at asecond attachment location 56, also referred to as a second location. Thesecond attachment location 56 is substantially opposite to thefirst attachment location 48 in the inflatedcushion 14. As shown inFIG. 2 c, thecushion 14 is secured atsupport structure 60 which, in this case, is a housing (and may be referred to as such) for theinflator 16 and thecushion 14. Thecushion 14 is fastened between thesupport structure 60 and abracket element 64. As shown inFIG. 2 d, thesecond portion 52 may alternatively be secured at asecond location 56A directly to thecushion 14.Stitching 55A shown inFIG. 2 d may be used to secure thesecond portion 52.Optional stitching 55B may also be used to secure thesecond portion 52 in conjunction with thebracket element 64 as shown inFIG. 2 c. As an alternative to stitching 55A, 55B, adhesives or other known forms of securement may be employed. The optionalsecond portion 52 allows the cushion to expand, as shown inFIG. 2 b, to the second amount ofexpansion 28, with thesecond portion 52 providing some restriction affecting the resulting second amount ofexpansion 28 because thesecond portion 52 remains secured at thesecond location 56 shown inFIG. 2 c (or alternativesecond location 56A shown inFIG. 2 d ) making the overall length of the first tether 32 a limitation on the second amount ofexpansion 28. - As shown in
FIG. 2 c, the first andsecond tethers second loop second loop 68 is disposed between thefirst portion 40 and thesecond portion 52 on thefirst tether 32. (On a tether not having an optional second portion, thesecond loop 68 would be similarly located at the end of thefirst portion 40 opposite thefirst loop 44 shown inFIG. 2 a; however, no second portion would extend from the second loop.) As shown inFIG. 2 c, thesecond loops respective tethers - Referring to
FIG. 2 c, theair bag assembly 12 further includes optionalthird loops third loops tether release mechanism 84. (If no optional third loops are used, therelease mechanism 84 would directly restrain thesecond loops expansion 28 may be indicated as preferable. In that instance, the sensing system sends a signal to therelease mechanism 84 to be actuated (i.e., to release thetethers 32, 36). A variety of release mechanism configurations may be employed. For instance, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,501, a moveable cantilevered retaining pin may be used to hold the tethers, or, upon actuation, move and thereby release the tethers. The retaining pin may pass through barriers so that the tethers may not slide off at either end of the pin and may be moved through holes in the barriers to release the tethers. The tether may be attached to a cantilevered stationary pin and held in place by a moveable barrier which frees one end of the pin to release the tether. The release mechanism may include a scraper element to assist tether release. U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,094, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, also discloses an air bag system with a release mechanism having such a scraper element. U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,501 further includes a moveable member operatively connected to a release mechanism (i.e., the retaining pin described above) and moveable by an actuation mechanism, a vent opening within a housing in which the inflator is disposed, the moveable member being alignable with the vent opening and being moveable relative to the vent opening upon actuation of the actuation mechanism, thereby adjusting the vent area of the vent opening during deployment of the cushion. Accordingly, movement of the moveable member may function only to release the tether via the release mechanism, or may function both to release the tether and to control the vent area available for gases from the inflator to pass outside of the cushion and housing, as disclosed in the above referenced patent. - Referring to
FIG. 2 c, thethird loops second loops tethers tether release mechanism 84 releases thethird loops second loops tether release mechanism 84. Thetether release mechanism 84 is shown in phantom inFIG. 2 b to denote its movement upon actuation to release thetethers FIG. 2 c, when thethird loops tethers second loops cushion 14 may achieve a second amount ofexpansion 28 upon inflation, as shown inFIG. 2 b. Thus, thefirst tether 32 restricts thecushion 14 to the first amount of expansion 24 (shown inFIG. 2 a ) when restrained (at the second loop 68) and restricts thecushion 14 to the second amount of expansion 28 (shown inFIG. 2 b ) after thefirst tether 32 is released. - Referring again to
FIG. 2 a, thefirst tether 32 may include alateral tether element 88. Thelateral tether element 88 is supported at substantially opposing points of attachment at thecushion 14, a first lateral point ofattachment 92 and a second lateral point ofattachment 96. The lateral points ofattachment first portion 40 of thefirst tether 32. Thelateral tether element 88 provides air bag restraint in a lateral direction. If theoptional section portion 52 shown inFIG. 2 a is not included, thefirst tether 32 will be secured only atfirst location 48 and lateral points ofattachment 92, 96 (shown inFIG. 2 a ). Accordingly, upon release of the third loop 76 (shown inFIG. 2 c ) thefirst tether 32 would move free of any restraint at a second location and the cushion would be inflatable to a second amount of fore-aft expansion unaffected by the length of thefirst tether 32. The use of tethers not having a second portion and being releasable as described above will be readily understandable to those skilled in the art. - As can be viewed in
FIGS. 2 a-2 b, thefirst tether 32 may be a single strip of material sewn to itself to form thefirst loop 44 and thesecond loop 68 and also sewn at the first and second lateral points ofattachment lateral tether element 88. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 3 a, afirst tether 32A may be a single woven piece of material including alateral tether element 88A, afirst loop 44A and asecond loop 68A. Accordingly, thefirst tether 32A and thelateral tether element 88A may be unitary. Looped lateral ends 97A, 99A may also be formed in thelateral tether element 88A. An alternative is to replace looped lateral ends 97A and 99A with non-looped ends (as shown inFIG. 3 c). As shown inFIG. 3 b, alateral tether element 88B may be formed from a separate piece of material sewn or otherwise adhered to afirst tether 32B. Afirst loop 44B and asecond loop 68B may be formed from separate material sewn or otherwise adhered to a tetherlongitudinal midportion 98 to become part offirst tether 32B. Accordingly, thelateral tether element 88B, once sewn to thefirst tether 32B, becomes integral with thefirst tether 32B. As shown inFIG. 3 b, looped lateral ends 97B, 99B may be sewn or otherwise adhered to thelateral tether element 88B. The looped lateral ends 97B, 99B may be further secured to thecushion 14. - Referring to
FIG. 3 c, a singlefirst tether 32C may be formed with multiplefirst loops 44C, as shown inFIG. 3 c, by separating a tetherlongitudinal midportion 98C intoseparate segments 100 or by sewing or otherwise attachingsuch segments 100 to the tetherlongitudinal midportion 98C. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 3 d, a tetherlongitudinal midportion 98D of a singlefirst tether 32D may be split intoseparate strips first loops 44D andlateral tether elements 88D. Thelateral tether elements 88D and thestrips locations - Additional lateral tether configurations are shown in
FIGS. 3 e-3 g. InFIG. 3 e, alateral tether element 88E is formed withholes 106. First andsecond tethers holes 106. InFIG. 3 f, a multitude of separatelateral tether elements cushion 14. First andsecond tethers lateral tether elements FIG. 3 g, a continuouslateral tether element 881 is formed withslots 107 permitting the first andsecond tethers slots 107. - The discussion will now turn to alternative methods for supporting the first loop at the first location at the cushion. Referring again to
FIG. 2 a, thefirst loop 44 is attached directly to thecushion 14 at thefirst attachment location 48. As shown inFIG. 4 a,first loop 44E may be routed throughholes seams outer panel 112 of thecushion 14. As shown withstitching 55C, thefirst loop 44E may be sewn or otherwise attached to theouter panel 112. After routing thefirst loop 44E, holes 108, 109 would be sewn shut andstitching 55D would be added to completefirst loop 44E. - Referring to
FIG. 4 b, asupport element 114 is secured to thecushion 14 atfirst attachment locations first loop 44F is routed around thesupport element 114. An optionaladditional reinforcement element 116 is secured to thesupport element 114 for further supporting thefirst loop 44F. Thesupport element 114 is shown as a panel withfirst attachment locations support element 114 to thecushion 14. Notably, a first tether having afirst loop 44F secured atreinforcement element 116 orsupport element 114 by routing adjacent thereto need not slide through thesupport element 114 or thereinforcement element 116 in order for the cushion to obtain either the first amount ofexpansion 24 or, after release of the first tether, the second amount ofexpansion 28, shown inFIGS. 2 a and 2 b, respectively. Absence of such sliding may help produce a consistent bag profile upon inflation. - Referring to
FIG. 4 c, support element 114A secured to thecushion 14 atfirst attachment locations first loop 44G is routed. - Referring to
FIG. 4 d,optional reinforcement elements first loop 44H to thecushion 14. Afirst reinforcement element 116A is shown secured to thefirst loop 44H at afirst attachment location 48E. A secondoptional reinforcement element 116B is shown placed between thecushion 14 and thefirst loop 44H and is used to strengthen the area where thefirst loop 44H is secured to thecushion 14. A thirdoptional reinforcement element 116C is shown in phantom and is located at the opposed exterior face of thecushion 14 for further strengthening the attachment area. These reinforcements may be attached to cushion 14 by stitching 55F. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5 a through 5 g, air bag assembly configurations having various support elements will now be discussed. InFIG. 5 a, a support element which is a firsttubular slot 120 is shown formed in theouter panel 112 of thecushion 14 by stitching 55G securing theouter panel 112 to itself. Afirst loop 441 is then secured to anouter surface 124 of the firsttubular slot 120 by sewing or other means of securement. Referring toFIG. 5 b,first loop 44J may route throughopen ends tubular slot 120.Optional stitching 55H may be used to secure thefirst loop 44J to the firsttubular slot 120. Alternative means of securing thefirst loop 44J to the firsttubular slot 120, such as adhesives, may also be employed. Referring toFIG. 5 c, an optional secondtubular slot 130 may be formed by sewing stitching 551 between the secondtubular slot 130 and a firsttubular slot 120A which supportsfirst loop 44K. Referring toFIG. 5 d, a pair of firsttubular slots 120B, 120C may be formed in the cushionouter panel 112. Aseparate support element 114B may be secured to each of thetubular slots 120B, 120C at opposingfirst attachment locations first loop 44L may be routed through anopening 132 betweensupport element 114B and the cushionouter panel 112. Thefirst loop 44L may be sewn or otherwise secured to thesupport element 114B. - Referring to
FIG. 5 e, thesupport element 114C having asupport element loop 138 formed at one end may be secured to the cushionouter panel 112. Afirst loop 44M may be routed through and optionally sewn withstitching 55J to thesupport element loop 138. - Referring to
FIG. 5 f, asimilar support element 114D which is a panel having asupport element loop 138A formed at one end may alternatively be secured to atubular slot 120D formed in the cushionouter panel 112. Afirst loop 44N of a first tether may be routed through and optionally stitched or otherwise secured to thesupport element loop 138A. Accordingly, thesupport element 114D is disposed between thetubular slot 120D and thefirst loop 44N. - Referring to
FIG. 5 g, the cushionouter panel 112 may be formed with a firsttubular slot 120E to which asupport element 114E formed into asupport element loop 138B is stitched or otherwise secured. Afirst loop 44P of a tether may be routed through and optionally stitched or otherwise secured to the loopedsupport element 114E. - Notably, in all of the tether configurations shown in
FIGS. 1-5 g, including when a support element is used or when a tubular slot is used, the tether need not slide along its longitudinal portion (also referred to as a midportion, as described inFIGS. 3 b-3 d) in order for the cushion to inflate to either the first amount of expansion or to the second amount of expansion. All of the configuration inFIGS. 4 a-5 g may be applied to tethers with or without a lateral tether element. - As set forth in the claims, various features shown and described in accordance with the different embodiments of the invention illustrated may be combined.
- While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (27)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/660,965 US7192053B2 (en) | 2003-09-12 | 2003-09-12 | Automotive vehicle air bag system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/660,965 US7192053B2 (en) | 2003-09-12 | 2003-09-12 | Automotive vehicle air bag system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050057029A1 true US20050057029A1 (en) | 2005-03-17 |
US7192053B2 US7192053B2 (en) | 2007-03-20 |
Family
ID=34273766
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/660,965 Expired - Fee Related US7192053B2 (en) | 2003-09-12 | 2003-09-12 | Automotive vehicle air bag system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7192053B2 (en) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007046740A1 (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2007-04-26 | Autoliv Development Ab | A safety arrangement |
US20070210568A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-13 | Thomas Scott D | Simplified restraining tether system for use with a vehicle air bag system |
US20070290489A1 (en) * | 2006-06-14 | 2007-12-20 | Trw Automotive Gmbh | Occupant protection device on the passenger side |
US20110133437A1 (en) * | 2009-12-09 | 2011-06-09 | Sung Geun Jang | Front airbag including sub-string and vent part |
US20140232091A1 (en) * | 2011-10-12 | 2014-08-21 | Key Safety Systems, Inc. | Air Bag Assembly and Tether |
KR20150008131A (en) * | 2012-06-18 | 2015-01-21 | 오토리브 에이에스피, 인크. | Airbag with active vent |
DE102014204080A1 (en) * | 2014-03-06 | 2015-09-10 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Airbag module for a motor vehicle |
EP3127757A4 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2018-02-28 | Autoliv Development AB | Vehicular airbag device |
US10099647B2 (en) | 2016-09-21 | 2018-10-16 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Airbag assembly |
WO2021180659A1 (en) * | 2020-03-10 | 2021-09-16 | Zf Automotive Germany Gmbh | Airbag of a vehicle occupant restraint system |
CN114126930A (en) * | 2019-08-07 | 2022-03-01 | 奥托立夫开发公司 | Occupant restraint device |
US11479204B1 (en) * | 2021-07-01 | 2022-10-25 | ZF Passive Safety Systems US Inc. | Airbag with reinforced tether |
US11858455B2 (en) * | 2019-11-11 | 2024-01-02 | Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. | Airbag device |
Families Citing this family (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4552840B2 (en) * | 2005-04-01 | 2010-09-29 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Side airbag device |
DE202005006330U1 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2005-08-18 | Trw Automotive Safety Systems Gmbh | Airbag module |
US7350807B2 (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2008-04-01 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Divided airbag system |
JP4622691B2 (en) * | 2005-06-14 | 2011-02-02 | タカタ株式会社 | Air bag, manufacturing method thereof, air bag apparatus and vehicle |
JP4760158B2 (en) * | 2005-06-24 | 2011-08-31 | タカタ株式会社 | Air bag and air bag device |
DE102007008588A1 (en) * | 2006-02-17 | 2007-10-11 | TK Holdings, Inc., Auburn Hills | Air cushion molded sleeve and retaining band for airbags |
JP2007230501A (en) * | 2006-03-03 | 2007-09-13 | Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd | Airbag device for front passenger seat |
JP2007261411A (en) * | 2006-03-28 | 2007-10-11 | Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd | Airbag device |
US20070284864A1 (en) * | 2006-06-08 | 2007-12-13 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Inflatable vehicle occupant protection device construction |
JP2010523398A (en) * | 2007-04-03 | 2010-07-15 | デルファイ・テクノロジーズ・インコーポレーテッド | Apparatus and method for controlling an inflatable cushion |
US8419058B2 (en) * | 2008-03-21 | 2013-04-16 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Dual volume air bag |
US7946619B2 (en) * | 2008-01-31 | 2011-05-24 | Tk Holdings Inc. | Airbag |
US7695012B2 (en) * | 2008-04-03 | 2010-04-13 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Airbag systems with a split pocket |
US7946613B2 (en) | 2009-03-03 | 2011-05-24 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Dual chamber airbag cushion |
US7938445B2 (en) * | 2009-03-03 | 2011-05-10 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Dual chamber airbag cushions with a safety vent in the front chamber |
US8371612B2 (en) | 2009-09-17 | 2013-02-12 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Inflatable airbag assemblies with lateral and longitudinal tethers |
JP5362501B2 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2013-12-11 | タカタ株式会社 | Air bag and air bag device |
US20130079208A1 (en) * | 2011-09-26 | 2013-03-28 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Method for folding airbag cushion |
US8807596B1 (en) * | 2013-01-31 | 2014-08-19 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Airbag and vehicle passenger restraint system |
US9266493B2 (en) * | 2013-04-10 | 2016-02-23 | Tk Holdings Inc. | Two-way valve for multi-chambered airbags |
JP6574554B2 (en) * | 2014-06-26 | 2019-09-11 | 日本プラスト株式会社 | Airbag |
DE112015005790T5 (en) | 2014-12-24 | 2017-09-28 | Tk Holdings Inc. | Side impact air bag module |
US9676364B2 (en) * | 2015-09-30 | 2017-06-13 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Airbag systems with passive venting control |
US10427639B2 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2019-10-01 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Airbag systems with passive venting control |
US10549710B2 (en) * | 2018-05-03 | 2020-02-04 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle airbag |
DE202018106681U1 (en) * | 2018-11-23 | 2020-02-27 | Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. | Airbag as well as airbag module and vehicle occupant safety system with such an airbag |
US11772595B2 (en) * | 2021-07-01 | 2023-10-03 | ZF Passive Safety Systems US Inc. | Airbag with reinforced tether |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5362101A (en) * | 1991-03-12 | 1994-11-08 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Air bag device |
US6334627B1 (en) * | 1998-03-20 | 2002-01-01 | Takata-Petri Ag | Variable-volume air bag for an airbag module |
US6390501B1 (en) * | 1999-11-12 | 2002-05-21 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Variable profile air bag restraint |
US6422597B1 (en) * | 1999-11-12 | 2002-07-23 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Variable profile air bag restraint |
US6454300B1 (en) * | 2001-02-27 | 2002-09-24 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Air bag tether release assembly |
US6511094B2 (en) * | 2000-03-27 | 2003-01-28 | General Motors Corporation | Automotive vehicle air bag system |
US6513835B2 (en) * | 2001-03-26 | 2003-02-04 | General Motors Corporation | Automotive vehicle air bag system |
US6692023B2 (en) * | 2000-09-28 | 2004-02-17 | Nihon Plast Co., Ltd. | Air bag apparatus of motor vehicle |
US6832778B2 (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2004-12-21 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Air bag restraint including selectively operable venting elements |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6736426B2 (en) | 2000-09-28 | 2004-05-18 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Variable profile air bag restraint |
-
2003
- 2003-09-12 US US10/660,965 patent/US7192053B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5362101A (en) * | 1991-03-12 | 1994-11-08 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Air bag device |
US6334627B1 (en) * | 1998-03-20 | 2002-01-01 | Takata-Petri Ag | Variable-volume air bag for an airbag module |
US6390501B1 (en) * | 1999-11-12 | 2002-05-21 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Variable profile air bag restraint |
US6422597B1 (en) * | 1999-11-12 | 2002-07-23 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Variable profile air bag restraint |
US6561545B2 (en) * | 1999-11-12 | 2003-05-13 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Variable profile air bag restraint |
US6511094B2 (en) * | 2000-03-27 | 2003-01-28 | General Motors Corporation | Automotive vehicle air bag system |
US6692023B2 (en) * | 2000-09-28 | 2004-02-17 | Nihon Plast Co., Ltd. | Air bag apparatus of motor vehicle |
US6454300B1 (en) * | 2001-02-27 | 2002-09-24 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Air bag tether release assembly |
US6513835B2 (en) * | 2001-03-26 | 2003-02-04 | General Motors Corporation | Automotive vehicle air bag system |
US6832778B2 (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2004-12-21 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Air bag restraint including selectively operable venting elements |
US6932385B2 (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2005-08-23 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Air bag restraint including selectively operable venting elements |
Cited By (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007046740A1 (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2007-04-26 | Autoliv Development Ab | A safety arrangement |
US20090115176A1 (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2009-05-07 | Autoliv Devlopment Ab | Safety Arrangement |
US7857346B2 (en) | 2005-10-18 | 2010-12-28 | Autoliv Development Ab | Safety arrangement |
US20070210568A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-13 | Thomas Scott D | Simplified restraining tether system for use with a vehicle air bag system |
US7621561B2 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2009-11-24 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Simplified restraining tether system for use with a vehicle air bag system |
US20070290489A1 (en) * | 2006-06-14 | 2007-12-20 | Trw Automotive Gmbh | Occupant protection device on the passenger side |
US7914041B2 (en) * | 2006-06-14 | 2011-03-29 | Trw Automotive Gmbh | Occupant protection device on the passenger side |
US20110133437A1 (en) * | 2009-12-09 | 2011-06-09 | Sung Geun Jang | Front airbag including sub-string and vent part |
US8434786B2 (en) * | 2009-12-09 | 2013-05-07 | Autoliv Development Ab | Front airbag including sub-string and vent part |
CN104203657A (en) * | 2011-10-12 | 2014-12-10 | 关键安全体系股份有限公司 | Air bag assembly and tether |
US9290150B2 (en) * | 2011-10-12 | 2016-03-22 | Key Safety Systems, Inc. | Air bag assembly and tether |
US20140232091A1 (en) * | 2011-10-12 | 2014-08-21 | Key Safety Systems, Inc. | Air Bag Assembly and Tether |
KR20150008131A (en) * | 2012-06-18 | 2015-01-21 | 오토리브 에이에스피, 인크. | Airbag with active vent |
KR101645556B1 (en) * | 2012-06-18 | 2016-08-12 | 오토리브 에이에스피, 인크. | Airbag with active vent |
DE102014204080B4 (en) | 2014-03-06 | 2023-06-07 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Airbag module for a motor vehicle |
DE102014204080A1 (en) * | 2014-03-06 | 2015-09-10 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Airbag module for a motor vehicle |
EP3127757A4 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2018-02-28 | Autoliv Development AB | Vehicular airbag device |
EP3486124A1 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2019-05-22 | Autoliv Development AB | Vehicular airbag device |
US10099647B2 (en) | 2016-09-21 | 2018-10-16 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Airbag assembly |
CN114126930A (en) * | 2019-08-07 | 2022-03-01 | 奥托立夫开发公司 | Occupant restraint device |
US11858455B2 (en) * | 2019-11-11 | 2024-01-02 | Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. | Airbag device |
WO2021180659A1 (en) * | 2020-03-10 | 2021-09-16 | Zf Automotive Germany Gmbh | Airbag of a vehicle occupant restraint system |
US11479204B1 (en) * | 2021-07-01 | 2022-10-25 | ZF Passive Safety Systems US Inc. | Airbag with reinforced tether |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7192053B2 (en) | 2007-03-20 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7192053B2 (en) | Automotive vehicle air bag system | |
JP4887352B2 (en) | Curtain airbags and cars | |
JP4923559B2 (en) | Crew restraint system | |
US7621561B2 (en) | Simplified restraining tether system for use with a vehicle air bag system | |
JP3928451B2 (en) | Head protection airbag device | |
EP0847904B1 (en) | An inflatable restraint for a vehicle occupant | |
JP4666059B2 (en) | Airbag device for vehicle | |
US7401805B2 (en) | Curtain air bag module | |
EP1399337B1 (en) | Door mounted side restraint | |
JP5036401B2 (en) | Curtain side airbag device | |
JP2000142303A (en) | Air bag device for head protection | |
US7357413B2 (en) | Curtain airbag device | |
US7163233B2 (en) | Head-protecting airbag | |
JP2003534191A (en) | Automotive protection device | |
JP4336072B2 (en) | Airbag | |
JP3772742B2 (en) | Air bag device for knee protection | |
JP2004067045A (en) | Head protective airbag device | |
JP2004331044A (en) | Guide mechanism for curtain airbag and curtain air bag device | |
EP1539544B1 (en) | Tubular airbag for installation in a vehicle | |
JP3928442B2 (en) | Pedestrian airbag device | |
JP2003054351A (en) | Airbag device for protecting head part | |
JP4144400B2 (en) | Crew protection device | |
JP4622620B2 (en) | Curtain airbag device | |
JP3455840B2 (en) | Side airbag device airbag | |
JP2009119981A (en) | Airbag device for side collision |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:THOMAS, SCOTT DAVID;REEL/FRAME:014188/0983 Effective date: 20030828 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:022092/0886 Effective date: 20050119 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, DISTRICT Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022201/0547 Effective date: 20081231 Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY,DISTRICT Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022201/0547 Effective date: 20081231 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECU Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022553/0399 Effective date: 20090409 Owner name: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SEC Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022553/0399 Effective date: 20090409 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY;REEL/FRAME:023124/0470 Effective date: 20090709 Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.,MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY;REEL/FRAME:023124/0470 Effective date: 20090709 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNORS:CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES;CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES;REEL/FRAME:023127/0273 Effective date: 20090814 Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.,MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNORS:CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES;CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES;REEL/FRAME:023127/0273 Effective date: 20090814 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, DISTRICT Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023156/0001 Effective date: 20090710 Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY,DISTRICT Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023156/0001 Effective date: 20090710 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST, MICHIGAN Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023161/0911 Effective date: 20090710 Owner name: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST,MICHIGAN Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023161/0911 Effective date: 20090710 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST;REEL/FRAME:025311/0725 Effective date: 20101026 Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY;REEL/FRAME:025245/0347 Effective date: 20100420 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, DELAWARE Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:025327/0262 Effective date: 20101027 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:025780/0902 Effective date: 20101202 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:034371/0676 Effective date: 20141017 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20190320 |